Crispy Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes with Cheddar and Chives
Transform your cold mashed potatoes into golden, crispy potato cakes filled with sharp cheddar and fresh chives. This easy recipe makes a perfect budget-friendly side dish or quick snack.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes (cold)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 3 tablespoons butter or cooking oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, beaten egg, flour, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using panko breadcrumbs, spread them on a shallow plate.
- Scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture and form it into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick. If you want extra crunch, lightly press both sides of the patty into the panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should coat the bottom of the pan.
- Carefully place the potato cakes into the hot skillet, ensuring you do not crowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the cakes are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove the cooked mashed potato cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately as a delicious side dish or quick potato snack.
Notes
- Cold mashed potatoes work best as they hold their shape better when forming the cakes.
- For an air fryer method, lightly spray the patties with cooking spray and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- You can substitute bacon bits or cooked, crumbled bacon for some of the chives for a richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cakes
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 45